All eyes will be on the match between Bayern Munich and Barcelona when Matchday 2 of the UEFA Champions League begins later tonight.
The rivalry between the fanbases of the two clubs has grown in recent years, despite the fact that they have historically competed against one another for decades on the grandest stage.
In Group C this season, the two European heavyweights are joined by Inter Milan and Viktoria Plzen, although one anticipates that Barcelona and Bayern will ultimately compete for the top spot on the table. For both sides, a victory on Tuesday would be a significant step in that direction.
At the Allianz Arena, Xavi will field his best team and go out swinging. As one of the UCL's greatest games approaches kickoff, one can anticipate fireworks from both teams as well as a show of quality football, passion, and commitment.
So, in honor of this occasion and in preparation for the enormous match, Barça Sphere gives you three talking points.
1. The desire for revenge.
The 8-2 thrashing Barcelona suffered in Lisbon two years ago will go down as their worst UCL loss. For a very long period, their terrible performance was mocked and laughed at. Naturally, it had a negative impact on many players' mental health as well, and as a result, their careers suffered.
The Bavarians and Catalans were paired together once more in the group stage two years later. Bayern won both meetings between the two teams, 3-0, and the series. Barcelona was ultimately eliminated from the Champions League because they were unable to deny the Germans a point.
The team's desire to defeat Bayern is at an all-time high as they get ready to play them again. Now that the conflict has become personal, status is at stake. Beyond the three points, Barcelona's victory on Tuesday would be a clear indication that they are on the right track.
The Blaugranas are more evenly matched with their rivals following their game-changing summer transfer window. In fact, it would not be absurd to say that the team is superior when compared player-for-player.
Many people think that this year will be the one in which they can compete at their top level and defeat the team that has troubled them three times in the past two years.
2. The return of Robert Lewandowski.
Robert Lewandowski set records for pleasure during his eight years with Bayern Munich. In just 374 games, he scored 344 goals, including 69 goals in the UEFA Champions League.
The Pole, who five times in a row won the Bundesliga's top scorer award, directed the Bavarian assault with his deadly instinct in front of goal. Lewy has a special connection to the Allianz Arena, so it goes without saying that his Tuesday return there will be an emotional experience for him.
However, one is also aware that the striker's stint with the club did not finish well. Lewandowski publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with how Bayern managed to get rid of him in the summer and force a transfer to Barcelona.
He'll probably be more fired up than ever to perform on Tuesday night. It is the ideal opportunity for him to prove his worth to the Bavarians and to the rest of the globe that he has joined the best club possible.
3. The first significant test.
Barcelona would fiercely contend for the league championship as more signings were unveiled by Joan Laporta over the summer. The real dream has never, however, been domestic triumph.
This unique team was put together by Xavi and Laporta with the Champions League in mind. The plan was to assemble a team of players capable of competing against the best in the field and bringing the illustrious trophy to Catalonia. Tomorrow in Germany, this Barcelona team will face its first significant test.
Xavi's team has dominated La Liga thus far. In their last five games, they have scored 20 goals and given up only two. With each game, the players' mutual understanding and trust in the management only deepen, and the tide is unmistakably turning in their favor.
Both underdogs and favorites are equal in the matchup at Allianz Arena. A victory would, however, mean considerably more for this Barcelona team, who have struggled in previous matches. It's possible that their enthusiasm provides them a tiny advantage.
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